WHERE EAGLES DARE

Powdery slopes reflecting silver is just the beginning. Here's what really counts when choosing between these European snow playgrounds.

- PALLAVI PASRICHA

FRANCE

Courchevel

Along Courchevel's glistening slopes, skiing is not just a winter workout, it comes wrapped in layers of glamour. Part of Les 3 Vallées, the world's largest ski area, the immaculately groomed pistes spanning 150 kilometers are set against a backdrop of lavish hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and designer boutiques. Courchevel 1850 is the highest and most glamorous of the six villages that make up Courchevel. There are more than 50 ski lifts and over 100 ski runs-perfect for both beginners and experts. Celebrity spotting is almost guaranteed here-Prince William and Kate Middleton are among those that Courchevel has hosted.

Apres ski activities Go snowshoeing and sledging, or relax in glitzy bars and restaurants along the slopes watching people glide down in designer ski suits. At restaurants like Bagatelle (www.bagatelle.​com) get a taste of French gastronomy accompanied with lively music and a festive vibe.

Cost of one dish is upwards of Euro 12 (approx. 1,100).

What's new The Saulire cable car, an all-glass cabin, which glides up to 2710 meters is reopening this December. The Ski Mountaineering World Cup takes place from December 12 to 15. At L'Apogée hotel, (www.oetkercollection.​com/hotels/lapogee-courchevel/) Giovanni's, an Italian restaurant, will pop up for the season. Alpage, that opened at Hotel Annapurna (www.annapurna-courchevel.​com) in December last year has added a Michelin star to its feather.

https://courchevel.​com/en

Chamonix